Donald Hugh McKibbin passed away on January 6, 2025, at his home in Newport Beach surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Don was born on June 24, 1929, in Los Angeles to Jessie Lewis and William Hugh McKibbin and was the older brother to Kathleen. He attended Horace Mann Elementary and graduated from Beverly Hills High School. He then attended the University of Southern California, and after graduation, served two years in the Navy. During this time, he met Judith Carol Cannon, a Bruin, and they were married August 11, 1956. This was the start of a lifelong love affair and lasted until Carol’s passing in 2017; they are now reunited again to continue their lifelong love. They moved to Bakersfield where Don worked for Tidewater Oil Company then to Newport Beach in 1960 where he worked for Schock Boats before founding McKibbin Sails, Inc. After running a successful sail making business for 22 years, he went on to work for Bainbridge Aquabatten and Challenge Sailcloth.
Don and Carol raised their 5children in the same home they have lived in for the past 63 years. Don was very involved in his children’s lives and in addition to being a loving husband and father, he served as president of Santa Ana Country Club and in many positions in his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He enjoyed sailing, flying his plane, golfing, traveling, spending time with friends, having dinner and drinks at the Newport Harbor Yacht Club, and above all, spending time with his family.
Don is survived by his children, Connie Schelin (Kevin), Lloyd (Pam), Ted (Amy), Liz, Bill (Allison), grandchildren Heather Ball (Steve), Eric Schelin (Elyse), Colin McKibbin (Claire), Brianne Whitford (JP), Allison Sherburne (Wesley), Kellyn and Kyle McKibbin, Cole, Riley and Shane McKibbin, and 7 great-grandchildren with one on the way. The McKibbin family would like to extend their gratitude to Don’s wonderful caregiver, Hazel, who provided such loving care to him and Carol. Internment and a family graveside service were held at Pacific View Memorial Park in Newport Beach followed by a luncheon at the NHYC on January 12th.